East Coast Alerts

By Mel Neale 6/5/2014

Little River Swingbridge Fender Repair:
Mariners are advised that R. L. Morrison and Sons, Inc will be working on the Little River Swingbridge, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (33.851550°-78.656357°), fender system starting May 27, 2014. R. L. Morrison and Sons, Inc. will have a work barge in the waterway between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 12:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. With the barge in the waterway, a 30 ft wide channel will be available at all times. Vessels requiring more than 30 ft of horizontal clearance should contact the on-scene tug and make arrangements for passage. The work will be from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays until August 30, 2014. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution. (7th District LNM Week 21/2014)*

*Italicized text above and below indicates our comment or paraphrase.Plain textis copied from the Notices to Mariners or other sources given.

Sunken Fishing Vessel in Charleston Entrance Channel:
There is a sunken 68ft F/V Captain SNORKY in the vicinity of Charleston Harbor Entrance South Jetty in approx position 32°42'48N/079°48'36W. The wreckage is marked with a white flashing light. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution when transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 22/2014)

Lady's Island Swingbridge Closure for Repairs:
The Lady's Island Swingbridge, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Beaufort, South Carolina (32.427443° -80.669185°), will be closed to navigation from 9:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on June 7, 2014 for emergency repairs. Vessels that may pass through the bridge without an opening may do so at any time. (7th District LNM Week 21/2014)

Harborfest in Norfolk:
The following temporary changes will be made to aids to navigation within the Elizabeth River Channel to enhance boater safety during the upcoming Harborfest celebration activities to be held June 6 through June 8, 2014. Upon completion of the Harborfest celebrations these temporary changes are to be removed and the Elizabeth River Channel aids to navigation system returned to its published characteristics.
A. Temporarily establish six 5NFR yellow unlighted buoys in the following positions to mark the outer navigational limits of the spectator anchorage area as published in 33 CFR 110.72aa(a)1:
a. Elizabeth River Anchorage Buoy "A" at 36 50 49.693N, 076 18 07.650W
b. Elizabeth River Anchorage Buoy "B" at 36 50 48.908N, 076 18 00.792W
c. Elizabeth River Anchorage Buoy "C" at 36 50 46.691N, 076 17-56.652W
d. Elizabeth River Anchorage Buoy "D" at 36 50 42.842N, 076 17 54.460W
e. Elizabeth River Anchorage Buoy "E" at 36 50 37.064N, 076 17 51.576W
f. Elizabeth River Anchorage Buoy "F" at 36 50 33.964N, 076 17 57.544W
B. Temporarily change Elizabeth River Channel Buoy 31 (LLNR 9835) to Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 31 showing a QG characteristic.
C. Establish three additional buoys with QG characteristics in the following positions:
a. Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 29A at 36 52 08.917N, 076 19 37.841W
b. Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 29B at 36 52 01.702N, 076 19 27.437W
c. Elizabeth River Channel Lighted Buoy 34A at 36 50 58.432N, 076 18 10.390W (5th District LNM Week 20/2014)This is a huge event. At times, the AICW may be closed to vessel traffic. Do not count on getting a slip reservation in the area unless you make it way in advance. Listen to the VHF for Broadcast Notices to Mariners to keep up with channel closures and restrictions if you are planning to pass through Norfolk/Portsmouth at this time.

General Announcements

This is NOT a Joke: Giant Ocean Dice (AQUADICE):Atlantic Ocean: The US Coast Guard received a report of two adrift independent 8' x 8' x 8' orange cubes. The cubes known as a "floating sculpture" called AQUADICE. AQUADICE will be highly visible at sea. The bodies of the dice will be painted a bright phosphorescent orange with blue pips on each face. In addition each face will have constantly flashing lights visible up to 5 kilometers and with life spans of 2 years. The beacons will provide electronic signals. The voyage of AQUADICE will serve as a feasibility study for unmanned, non-sail; wind powered Trans-Atlantic shipping. This sculpture does not readily present a danger to navigation. Mariners are advised to be on the lookout. (7th District LNM Week 21/2014) Check http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/08/an-artists-game-of-chance-on-the-high-seas/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0. These were launched on 12/12/2012 from the Canary Islands. Apparently they have not landed nor been sighted, and are no longer sending out any electronic signals.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Class Database:
The National Public Education Calendar Database provides a single, unified national database that holds and displays all public education courses taught by our various flotillas nationwide. In addition, a Zip Code search permits members of the general public to enter a Zip Code of interest, and find all public education courses being taught within a selected distance from that Zip Code. The National Public Education Calendar Database provides a single, unified national database that holds and displays all public education courses taught by our various flotillas nationwide. In addition, a Zip Code search permits members of the general public to enter a Zip Code of interest, and find all public education courses being taught within a selected distance from that Zip Code. www.cgaux.org/boatinged/class_finder/index.php(5th District LNM Week 21/2014)

HURRICANE INFORMATION (Update 7th District LNM 22):
The hurricane season extends from June 1st through November 30th. Hurricanes can cause excessive damage to vessels and loss of life. To minimize these dangers, the following precautions should be taken by all mariners before getting underway during the hurricane season:
(a) Instruction of crew and passengers in location of emergency equipment and emergency procedures;
(b) Pre-sailing check of vessel, machinery, and equipment for seaworthiness;
(c) Installation of strong ground tackle;
(d) Review of storm center evasion procedures;
(e) Knowledge of nearest hurricane shelter or port; and
(f) Constant radio watches on channel 16 VHF-FM and frequent monitoring of weather broadcasts.
The civilian hurricane warning service for the North Atlantic is provided by the National Hurricane Center, Miami, Florida. The center collates ship, aircraft, radar, and satellite data to produce and issue tropical cyclone warnings and forecasts for the North Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. A Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory (TCP) is issued every six hours, with intermediate bulletins provided as needed. For tropical storms and hurricanes threatening to cross the coast of the U.S., coastal warnings are issued to the public so that precautionary actions, including evacuation, can be initiated to minimize damage and loss of life.
Four alerts are issued:
(a) TROPICAL STORM WATCH – An announcement that sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph or 63 to 118 km/hr) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
(b) TROPICAL STORM WARNING – An announcement that sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph or 63 to 118 km/hr) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
(c) HURRICANE WATCH – An announcement that sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph or 119 km/hr) or higher are possible within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
(d) HURRICANE WARNING – An announcement that sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph or 119 km/hr) or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.(Ed: Our Bold, New as of Superstorm Sandy)
Additional information of interest to mariners is included in the Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory (TCM) and the Tropical Cyclone Surface Wind Speed Probabilities (PWS) products. The TCM provides current and forecast storm positions, intensities, and wind fields out to 120 hours. The PWS provides probabilities of sustained wind speeds equal to or exceeding 34-, 50-, and 64-kt wind speed thresholds for select coastal and offshore locations.
Mariners are reminded that aids to navigation, particularly lighted and unlighted buoys, may be moved from charted position, damaged, destroyed, extinguished, or otherwise deemed discrepant as a result of hurricanes and storms. Mariners should not rely solely upon the position or operation of an aid to navigation, but also employ such other methods of determining position as may be available. Port Hurricane Conditions are set up by the COTP and will change as the threat of severe weather increases, or as a storm approaches a specific COTP Area of Responsibility. For COTP-specific Port Hurricane Conditions, you should review information provided under the Port Directory tab of http://homeport.uscg.mil
Condition 4 – Hurricane Seasonal Alert. 01 June–30 November; port status: open.
Condition Whiskey – Sustained Gale Force winds associated with Tropical Cyclone activity are predicted within 72 hours; port status: open.
Condition X-Ray – Sustained Gale Force winds associated with Tropical Cyclone activity are predicted within 48 hours; port status: open.
Condition Yankee – Sustained Gale Force winds associated with Tropical Cyclone activity are predicted within 24 hours; port status: restricted; vessel/facility control measures in effect.
Condition Zulu – Sustained Gale Force winds associated with Tropical Cyclone activity are predicted within 12 hours; port status: closed to all vessel traffic and waterside activities except for activities approved by the COTP.
Drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures. Drawbridges are authorized to remain closed upon approach of Gale Force winds of 34 knots or greater. Extended closure periods may be authorized up to 8 hours prior to arrival of Gale Force winds to facilitate evacuation of land traffic. Due to the uncertainty of hurricane movements and bridge closures, mariners are urged to seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of Gale Force winds. (7th District LNM 22/2014)

2014 Light Lists:
The 2014 editions of the Light Lists supersede the 2013 editions.
The Light List Books produced by the USCG are available for general purchase through the Government Print Office (GPO) at http://bookstore.gpo.gov. For more information or assistance in the procurement and purchase process, please contact the USCG Navigation Center at (703) 313-5900 or submit an electronic assistance request at the following link: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=contactUs.
The USCG Navigation Center publishes a summary of corrections to the Light List Books on a weekly basis. They can be found at the following link: www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lightListCorrections.
Electronic editions of the Light Lists are available on the USCG Navigation Center's website at: www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lightLists.
Full updates to the electronic editions of these volumes are also available on the USCG Navigation Center website at: www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lightListWeeklyUpdates. (7th District LNM 22/2014)

Lat/Long Positions in Alerts:Lat/Long positions derived from Google Earth will be given for significant places in the Alerts, such as bridge locations. These will be in italics, and in the following format: (xx.xxxxxx°-xx.xxxxxx°) for locations new with this alert. Where a Lat/Long position is copied from a USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) or from the Light Lists, it will be in whatever format the Coast Guard has used which varies between districts and LNM and Light List writers, and will be in plain text, rather than italics. Some positions are approximate. We do not provide this information for navigational purposes and it should not be used as such.

NOTE: For the summer season, we are switching the order of the Alerts to geographical North to South.

USCG First District
Coastal Waters from Eastport, Maine to Shrewsbury, New Jersey

New England, NY/NJ-Future of Navigation Initiative Listening Session:
The U.S. Maritime Transportation System (MTS) is critical to our nation's economy and as the USATONS is a vital component of the MTS, we must continue striving to build a more reliable, available, and efficient aids to navigation system. In keeping with our long -standing relationships with commercial and recreational waterway users, the USCG, USACE, and NOAA invite you to join us in a series of listening sessions and help shape our 21st century waterways.
These listening sessions will be focus on data informational services required by mariners for safe navigation and how we, the federal government joined in single effort, can provide that information and infrastructure. Listening sessions will be held in various ports and will be hosted by a panel representing each of these federal agencies. There will also be a website portal where interested individuals can post recommendations. Some of the essential discussion questions to be addressed include:
- What is your biggest navigation safety concern?
- If we could do one thing over the next year to improve your ability to navigate safely and efficiently, what would you choose?
- How can you best access information to update your charts and publications from the Notice to Mariners? Would you like
to have this information provided locally?
- What do you like best and least about your ECDIS/ECS system and ENCs/IENCs?
- What would improve your ECDIS/ECS user experience?
- How can we improve our PDF product to be more useful for navigation?
- If you use charts on a mobile device, what type of device and what applications or services?
- How often do you use real-time observation systems such as NOAA PORTS , tides and water level information from
NWS, USACE, USGS and would you use observational information if it was broadcast over AIS?
- What Electronic Aids to Navigation (eATON) prototypes (AIS AtoN, virtual buoys, etc.) might be most useful to you?
The local listening sessions for New England and New York areas will be held from 10:00AM-12:00PM on:
Tuesday, 6/10/2014, at the Customs House in Lower Manhattan, NY (doors will open at 9:00AM)
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Petty Officer Robert Cottrell at robert.l.cottrell@uscg.mil. (First District LNM Week 18/2014)

Cape Cod Canal Dolphin Repairs:
Dolphin repairs are being done at the Cape Cod Canal Power Plant from June 2 - 13, 2014. The work is being done Monday - Friday, 6:00 am - 8:00 pm. On scene will be the barge WILEY, push boat BONNIE and a skiff. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution and to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution. (First District LNM Week 21/2014)

Cape Wind Energy Project Surveys:
From late April to August 2014, survey activities in support of the Cape Wind Energy Project will be conducted within and around Horseshoe Shoal (41.482643° -70.417353°) and Lewis Bay in Nantucket Sound, an area that has been identified as the location for the Cape Wind offshore renewable energy installation ... and export cable routes.
The survey contractor is Ocean Surveys, Inc. of Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Survey operations will be conducted during daylight hours, seven days a week (weather dependent) for approximately three months. The activity will involve survey vessels operating simultaneously, operating with towed arrays. Survey vessels will operate with a minimum separation distance of 3000 yards. The vessels will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 9, 13, and 16. The towed equipment will extend to approximately 100 yards behind the survey vessels at varying depths throughout the water column. This activity is not expected to involve any bottom disturbance.
The following vessels will be utilized for the geophysical survey:
1. M/V Ocean Explorer (Length: 60 feet)
2. M/V West Cove (Length: 42 feet)
3. R/V Able II (Length: 23 feet)
The Cape Wind Energy Project point-of-contact for survey operations is:
Mr. Jack Arruda
Phone: 617-904-3100 ext. 113
Mobile: (508) 942-4078
Email: jarruda@emienergy.com
Mariners are requested to remain clear of all work platforms and attendant vessels while conducting survey activities in Nantucket Sound including Lewis Bay, and otherwise use extreme caution when navigating in the vicinity of Horseshoe Shoal and Lewis Bay. (First District LNM Week 16/2014)

NOAA Hydrographic Survey Operations:
1. NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson (S222) will be conducting hydrographic survey operations throughout the area of Fisher Island Sound and Block Island Sound from 28 April 2014 through 15 August 2014.
2. NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson (S222) will be conducting hydrographic survey operations throughout Buzzards Bay and Rhode Island Sound from 1 April 2014 through 30 September 2013.Thomas Jefferson is a 208-foot, white survey vessel and deploys two 31-foot, aluminum survey launches; survey vessels carry NOAA markings, can be identified on AIS, and will be monitoring VHF channels 13 and 16. Survey operations will be conducted 24-hrs a day from the ship and from 0730 through 1800 with survey launches. Mariners are requested to exercise caution when transiting the operational area. When towed hydrographic instrumentation is deployed, Thomas Jefferson will be restricted in her ability to maneuver.... Questions or concerns can be addressed to the ship's Field Operations Officer via phone at: 757-647-0187 or 808-434-2706; or via email at: ops.thomas.jefferson@noaa.gov. (First District LNM Week 13/2014)
NOAA Ship Ferdinand R. Hassler (S250) will be conducting intermittent hydrographic survey operations in the approaches to Portsmouth, NH from approximately 14 April 2014 through 30 September 2014. Ferdinand R. Hassler is a 124-foot, white, twin-hulled survey vessel; the ship has NOAA markings, can be identified on AIS, and will be monitoring VHF channels 13 and 16. Survey operations will be conducted 24-hrs a day from the ship. Mariners are requested to exercise caution when transiting the operational area. When towed hydrographic instrumentation is deployed, Ferdinand R. Hassler will be restricted in her ability to maneuver. An overview of the survey area is shown below. Questions or concerns can be addressed to the ship's Field Operations Officer via phone at: (603) 812-8748 or via email at: ops.ferdinand.hassler@noaa.gov. (First District LNM Week 19/2014)

Dredging, Rockaway Beach:
Dredging will be done in Rockaway Beach until approximately October 1, 2014. A submerged pipeline will be laid on or about March 10, 2014 from the offshore borrow area (Lat 40° 33' 36.25"North, Long 73° 48' 49.32" West) to the beach, vicinity of Beach 38th Street, Rockaway Beach, New York (Lat 40° 35' 26.57" North Long 73° 46' 10.26" West). The hours of operation will be 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. On scene will be the dredge C. R. MCCASKILL, tugs and attendant plants that will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. (First District LNM Week 21/2014)

Subsea Construction:
Subsea construction, including diving operations, will be done approximately 2.7 miles south of the Rockaway Peninsula in the following positions:
40-31-24.623N 073-51-39.861W and 40-33-11.837N 073-52-26.650W.
The work will be done from June 1, - September 1, 2014, 7 days week and 24 hours a day. On scene will be the DB BOAZ that will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. The WEEK'S 571 will be on scene from June 1 - June 15; the WEEK'S 751 will be on scene from June 13 - August 27 and the SUPER CHIEF will there from July 7 - November 4. Mariners are requested to proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made on Channel 13.
The following buoys will be deployed during construction to denote the edges of the permitted temporary work space for the project. Each buoy would be a 24x60 inch general purpose can buoy with a 1 mile clear flashing solar light, or similar. Point Data for 14 lighted Buoys:
Point 1 – N40 33' 28.94 W73 51' 59.96
Point 2 – N40 33' 03.71 W73 51' 49.06
Point 3 – N40 32' 38.49 W73 51' 38.21
Point 4 – N40 32' 13.26 W73 51' 27.34
Point 5 – N40 31' 48.04 W73 51' 16.48
Point 6 – N40 31' 22.81 W73 51' 05.61
Point 7 – N40 31' 15.10 W73 51' 36.36
Point 8 – N40 31' 07.38 W73 52' 07.11
Point 9 – N40 31' 32.61 W73 52' 17.99
Point 10 – N40 31' 57.83 W73 52' 28.86
Point 11 – N40 32' 23.05 W73 52' 39.73
Point 12 – N40 32' 48.28 W73 52' 50.61
Point 13 – N40 33' 13.50 W73 53' 01.49
Point 14 – N40 33' 21.22 W73 52' 30.72 (First District LNM Week 22/2014)

USCG Fifth District
Coastal Waters from Shrewsbury River, New Jersey to Little River, South Carolina

Research Buoys off Delaware Coast:
The University of Delaware has established four yellow special purpose buoys to mark hydrographic and wave data sensors off the coast of Delaware. The buoys mark the positions of sensors which are 2 feet above the seabed floor. The buoys will be deployed until on or about 26 September, 2014.
A. Delaware Data Buoy A 38-47-09.710N 075-05-07.520W
B. Delaware Data Buoy B 38-42-46.300N 075-04-27.290W
C. Delaware Data Buoy C 38-41-30.490N 075-04-14.500W
D. Delaware Data Buoy D 38-36-20.590N 075-03-39.040W
E. Delaware Data Buoy E 38-42-17.860N 075-03-10.220W (5th District LNM Week 22/2014)

Ocean City Air Show:
In association with the Ocean City Air Show; June 12 to June 15, eight (8) yellow buoys will be established to mark the restricted/event area offshore of the beach viewing area which spans approximately from TALBOT Street thru 33RD Street.
Ocean City Air Show Buoy:
North West Corner 38 21 37 71N—75 04 03.86W
North Center 38 21 32.06N—75 03 46.35W
North East Corner 38 21 26.72N—75 03 28.71W
East Center 38 20 30.82N—75 03 53.56W
South East Corner 38 19 34.77N—75 04 18.82W
South Center 38 19 39.89N—75 04 36.22W
South West Corner 38 19 45.21N—75 04 54.16W
West Center 38 20 41.69N—75 04 28.72W
Two additional Air show event buoys will be established
Center Marker 38 20 36.25N—75 04 11.16
Bomb Burst 38 20 17.23N—75 04 19.96 (5th District LNM Week 22/2014)

Data Buoys off Chincoteague Inlet:
On or about June 15, 2014, the University of Delaware-College of Earth, Ocean and Environment will establish two temporary; until December 22, 2014, lighted data buoys in association a current and wave project. The yellow buoys will be established approximately 10.25Nm Northeast of Chincoteague Inlet. Buoy A will be approximately 1.03Nm. East of the shoreline and 4.87Nm. West of Winter Quarter Shoal Lighted Buoy 5 (LL 265) and Buoy B will be approximately 6.45Nm. East of the shoreline and 0.68Nm. East of Winter Quarter Shoal Lighted Buoy 5 (LL 265).
Virginia Seacoast-
Lighted Data Buoy A 37 58 45.18N—75 15 17.10W Fl Y 6s
Lighted Data Buoy B 37 58 32.16N—75 08 18.00W Fl Y 6s (5th District LNM Week 22/2014)

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Painting Update:
Blastec Enterprise has relocated their paint barge and four (4) Lighted Crown Buoys (anchor buoys) in association with their Chesapeake Bay Bridge Painting Project. The four 58" yellow buoys will each have a flashing four second yellow light (Fl Y 4s) and will be located approximately 500 ft (directional) from the lighted paint barge; ( NW, NE, SE and SW). The Paint Barge location is 38 59 27.30N—76 23 02.30W; which is east of Tower-Pier 39. The paint barge and buoys will remain onscene until or about 1 January, 2015. (5th District LNM Week 22/2014)

Choptank River Artificial Reef:
Maryland Artificial Reef Program and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, on or about June 5, 2014, will be deploying approximately 157 reefballs. R/V PATRICIA CAMPBELL will be operating from 8:00Am to 6:00Pm; site coordinates are between the new and old Route 50 Choptank River Bridge (38.577895° -76.057808°). (5th District LNM Week 22/2014)

Survey Work in Channel, Potomac River:
Mariners are advised that hydrographic and geophysical surveys are scheduled to occur in the Potomac River from on or about May 21, 2014 through June 15, 2014. Work will consist of towing underwater instrument arrays behind survey vessels. The surveying will be conducted on either side of the Harry W. Nice (U.S.-301) Bridge (38.357817° -76.998105°), located between Newburg, MD and Dahlgren, VA, extending 1000 feet upstream and 1000 feet downstream, including the navigation channel, as well as shoal area to the east and west. Vessels on scene include a 17-foot green open cockpit boat and a 28-foot gray SeaArk survey boat. Mariners are requested to transit the area with extreme caution, operate at minimal wake and provide a wide berth to the survey vessels. Interested mariners may contact these vessels via marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16 or at telephone (401) 439-1031. (5th District LNM Week 21/2014)

Dredging at US Naval Station, Norfolk:
The dredge ESSEX will commence dredging operations at the U.S. Naval Station Norfolk (36.944017° -76.336286°) on or about 31 May, 2014. The dredge will be working at Piers 10,11,12, and 14 and the approaches to these piers. A submerged pipeline will be placed from the dredging area to the Craney Island Disposal Area. The project is expected to continue until approximately 01 July, 2014. The dredge operator will standby on Channels 13 and 16 VHF-FM. Traffic should call 30 minutes prior to expected time of passage. (5th District LNM Week 21/2014)

Old Gilmerton Bridge Demolition Update:At the Gilmerton Bridge(36.775082° -76.294999°) Currently, from 6:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. daily until August 3, 2014, two barges are occupying the entire channel at the Gilmerton Bridge for demolition work leaving no clearance for safe passage of vessels. Mariners needing to pass must provide a two-hour advanced notice by calling the bridge tender at (757)485-5488 or via VHF channel 13. Additionally, the Gilmerton Bridge continues to operate per 33 Code of Federal Regulations 117.997(j) for mariners needing a bridge opening.
Moreover, an environmental containment cell around the pier and its fender system will be in place until the project's conclusion on or about August 3, 2014 to facilitate additional demolition work. The containment cell is rigidly connected to the existing bridge fender with its own fender system consisting of 8 inch x 8 inch timber bumpers with recessed connections, thereby reducing the bridge's horizontal clearance from approximately 125 feet to 124 feet.

Beaufort, NC, Area Bridge Inspections:
Mariners are advised that the North Carolina Department of Transportation has scheduled inspections of the structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, each day, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., on 24 JUN and 25 JUN 2014 at the following movable bridges:
1) US 70/Grayden Paul Bridge (34.720476° -76.670717°), at mile 0.1, across Beaufort (Gallants) Channel, at Beaufort NC; and
2) Carolina Coastal Railroad Bridge (34.720105°-76.693624°) across Newport River, at AICW mile 203.8, in Morehead City, NC.
Inspection personnel and equipment will be on the bridges and in proximity to the navigable channels, do not anticipate any disruption to marine traffic and will relocate upon request for passage from any waterborne vessels. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the areas. (5th District LNM Week 21/2014)

North Carolina AICW Shoaling Reminder:Browns Inlet Crossing, North of the Onslow Beach Bridge, (34.598523°-77.241191°) Mile 238. Shoaling, shifting channel and often different markers than charted. This is a good example of many problem areas where an inlet, creek or river flows into or across the AICW causing frequent shoaling and changes.Shoaling to 2.6 feet is reported in the vicinity of green can 99A at Black Mud Creek (34.354514°-77.681862°), New Topsail Inlet area, approximately AICW Mile 270.5.

Wrightsville Beach Bridge Inspection, Reduced Vertical Clearance:
Mariners are advised that North Carolina Department of Transportation will be scheduling biannual inspections at the S.R. 74 Lift Bridge (34.216103° -77.812750°) across AICW mile 283.1, at Wrightsville Beach NC each day, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on June 10 to June 12, 2014. To facilitate the inspections, a hydraplatform will be positioned on the lift spans to access the underside (stringers, floor beams, cross braces and etc.), reducing the available vertical clearance from 20 feet to approximately 15 feet, above mean high water, in the closed position to vessels only during the hours mentioned above. The removal of the platform only takes a matter of minutes, so the drawbridge will operate for vessels requiring an opening in accordance with the regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.821(a) (4). Vessels that can pass under the closed spans without an opening may do so at any time. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 19/2014)

Caroling Bays Parkway Bridge Construction Delays to Begin:
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has hired Flatiron Constructors Inc. who has started building the SC 31, Carolina Bays Parkway, Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina (mile 372.3, 33.680933° -79.014272°). This project is anticipated to be completed by May 17, 2017 and will involve some waterway restrictions/closures. These channel restrictions/closures anticipated for this project will be published in future Local Notice to Mariners.
Trestle installation has been tentatively planned to start on June 11, 2014. This may involve some minor waterway restrictions. Mariners are advised to use caution transiting through this area as various floating equipment will be in the vicinity throughout the project. (7th District LNM 22/2014)

AICW Marker Destroyed, North of McClellanville:
Winyah Bay Charleston Harbor DBN 26 (LLNR 34200) (33-06-48.372N, 079-21-52.926W) is destroyed. The remains of the aid is partially submerged and is a hazard to navigation. The aid is marked with a TRLB "WR26" Q R characteristics .Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 21/2014)

Savannah Dredging:
Marinex Construction, Inc. will commence dredging operations in Southern LNM, Savannah, Georgia on or about June 5, 2014. Dredging operations will be in the vicinity of the Southern LNG, Elba Island (32.072990°-80.954539°), Upper Flats Range and Elba Island LB 40 (LLNR 4855). The Dredge SAVANNAH will operate 24/7 and monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. Operations will be completed on or about July 15, 2014. Further information contact Marinex at (843) 722-9083. Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. (7th District LNM Week 21/2014)

Crane Boom Down, JAX Port:
Jacksonville Port will have one crane boom stuck in the down position on the north end of the Tallyrand (30.368288° -81.625630°) until further notice. The boom extends approximately 160ft over the water. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. For more information contact the US Coast Guard, Sector Jacksonville, Prevention Dept (904) 751-2827. (7th District LNM 22/2014)

Ponce Inlet Area Dredging:
Mariners are hereby notified to use caution, when navigating Ponce De Leon Inlet (29.092396°-80.949043°) from the Intracoastal Waterway along the Halifax River to the Atlantic Ocean and from the Intracoastal Waterway along the Indian River to the Atlantic Ocean. The project consists of dredging Ponce De Leon Inlet Cuts 1A, 1S, 2S, 3A, 3N, 5N, and Cut 6N. The 150-ft long hopper dredge "MURDEN" will be used to perform dredging operations. The project will last approximately 46 days. Dredging is scheduled to commence on or about 17 May 2014. Mariners should operate vessels with caution in the area due to potential for floating debris, increased traffic due to the operation, and large equipment working in and along the waterway. The dredge will be monitoring VHF channels 13 and 16. All vessels are to comply with the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (33 U.S.C. 2001-2038). US Army Corps of Engineers point of contact is Ms. Shelley Trulock, Senior Project Manager at (904)232-3292 or email Shelley.F.Trulock@usace.army.mil. (7th District LNM Week 21/2014)

Okeechobee Waterway Update:On June 4, 2014 at 2400 hours the lake level was reported at 12.40 feet and the navigational depths were reported at 6.34 feet for Route 1 (26°58'32.23"N, 80°38'22.92"W) and 4.54 feet for Route 2 (Rim Route) (26°47'0.61"N, 26°47'0.61"N). You can usually check the daily lake level and navigational depths at http://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/reports/r-oke.html

Unmanned Semi-Submersible Vehicle Testing:
Lockheed Martin – Palm Beach in conjunction with the United States Navy will be conducting offshore testing of two unmanned, remotely piloted, semi-submersible vehicles, the testing will range from 1-5 miles off shore from Lake Worth Inlet (26.767292° -80.023493°) to Boynton Beach Inlet. Operations will take place beginning 5/28/2014 and ending 12/31/2014. Hours of ops will mostly be during daylight hours but at various times throughout the year they will be operating at night. The Lockheed Martin RHIB Boats and Sea Tow RHIB Boats will support the semi-submersibles in all operations, both RHIB boats will be in constant radio contact with the Operations crew, and will be equipped with a remote kill switch. The RHIB Boats will be monitoring VHF-FM Channel 16. Mariners are advised to stay clear of the RHIB boats and the Semi-submersible vehicle by 200 yards. In addition, there will be some diving operations mariners are advised to stay at least 200 yards from the posted dive flags, and float balls. (7th District LNM 22/2014)

Rebecca Shoal Light Update:
The following changes have been approved to the aids to navigation system in the Straits of Florida. The following aid will be permanently discontinued:
REBECCA SHOAL LIGHT (LLNR 1090)
And the following buoy will be established:
REBECCA SHOAL LIGHTED BUOY in position: 24-34-44.840N 082-36-12.610N (7th District LNM 22/2014)

Navy Dive Ops off Key West:
The USNS GRASP will be conducting dive operations 2NM SE of the Key West Entrance LWB KW (LLNR 1040/14800) for the next 3 weeks. There will be a Buoy painted orange with FL Q Yellow characteristics in position 24-26.85N 081-46.83W. The USNS GRASP will be moored in the vicinity of this buoy. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM 22/2014)

Dry Tortugas Light to be Disestablished:
The following change has been proposed to the aids to navigation system in Sand Key:
-DRY TORTUGAS LIGHT (LLNR 1095) (24-38-00.021N, 082-55-13.958W) disestablish
All comments should be emailed to: D07-SMB-DPWPublicComments@uscg.mil with Dry Tortugas Light Proposed Changes as the subject line and be received by 15 July 2014. Comments can also be mailed to Commander (DPW), Seventh Coast Guard District 909 SE 1st Avenue (STE 406), Brickell Federal Plaza Bldg Miami FL 33131. (7th District LNM Week 20/2014)

Gordon Pass Shoal Light No More:
The following changes have been approved to the aids to navigation system in Gordon Pass into Naples Florida and will commence the week of June 16th, 2014.
GORDON PASS SHOAL LIGHT (LLNR 1240/17450) (26-05-29.033N, 081-48-41.264W) will be disestablished. (7th District LNM Week 21/2014)

Reef Ball Deployment, Sarasota Coast:
Coastal Resources will begin to deploy approximately 12 Reef Balls modules for the Silvertooth Reef Site (off Sarasota). The first deployment is planned for Tuesday, June 3, 2014 and the second June 23 (weather dependant). The reef material is (one) 3'x4' pallet ball and (four) 2'x3 bay balls in approximate position 27°17.167N/082°35.971W. A 30ft barge will be used for deployment and will monitor VHF channel 16 or call the project POC: Michael Solum (941) 809-1550 for further information. Mariners are to avoid close proximity of the barge during deployment. (7th District LNM Week 21/2014)

Florida Hazards to Navigation:
Fort Pierce Inlet Inner Harbor LT 17 (LLNR 9975/45125) is destroyed. The remains of the steel pile is partially submerged and poses a hazard to navigation. Aid is marked with a TRLB "WR17" displaying a Q G characteristic in position 27-27-38.043N/080-19-05.087W. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 21/2014)
The Coast Guard received a report of a sunken S/V PAPEETE with its mast sticking up out of the water in approximate position 24-30.593N/081-50.454W. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. Ref: Sector KWT BNM 45/14, 70/14. (7th District LNM Week 21/2014)
There is a 24ft Wellcraft partially submerged with approximately 4ft sticking out of the water in approximate position 27-56.2N 082-56.2W 5NM SW of Clearwater Pass. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM 22/2014)

Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7th District LNM Week 22/2014:NOTE: Information new with this alert is in bold. There are many on-going projects lasting sometimes for years. You can "Search" a bridge name for previous East Coast Alerts that may contain information that is still current. Bridges that have vertical height reduced (or other severe restriction) will remain on this list until the restriction is removed.Atlantic Boulevard Bridge (AICW Mile 744.7) Genesis CEI Services, LLC has advised the Coast Guard that due to painting operations on the Atlantic Boulevard (SR 10) (30.323251°-81.438770°) Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (San Pablo Creek) mile 744.7, Duval County, Florida. The vertical clearance of the 65 foot high bridge will be reduced by four feet slightly more than one-half the channel from April 10, 2014 through April 10, 2015. The contractor will maintain 65 ft of vertical clearance within a 45 ft horizontal clearance at all times on one side of the channel. Mariners are requested to proceed through the east side of the channel through this area.Main Street Bridge, St. Johns River: The Coast Guard has approved a temporary change to the operating schedule of the Main Street Bridge (30.322626° -81.658613°)across the St Johns River, Jacksonville, Florida, due to bridge repairs. From January 24 through December 30, 2014, the Main Street Bridge will open with a two hour advance notice between the 6:00 a.m. and 6:59 p.m. to the bridge tender either via VHF-FM channel 9 or by calling 904-891-2191. Between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. a four hour advance notice to the bridge tender will be required to receive an opening. During the painting operation the contractor will be placing scaffolding under the bridge which will reduce the vertical clearance of the bridge up to 10 feet. Superior Construction Company has advised the Coast Guard that they will be using a snooper truck as part of this operation which will reduce the vertical clearance to 22 feet at different locations. The snooper truck can be removed if 30 minutes advance notice is provided.
Additionally, to support mariners with the latest information we have provided a cell phone to the bridge tenders at the Main Street Bridge who can be contacted at any time, 904-891-2191. US 192 Bridge: M&J Construction Company will be repairing and painting the SR 500 (US 192) Bridge (28.082960° -80.591610°) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Canaveral, Florida (this bridge is actually the Melbourne Causeway Bridge between Melbourne and Indiatlantic). The vertical clearance of the 65 foot high bridge will be reduced by five feet slightly more than one-half the channel from September 3, 2013 through September 1, 2014. The contractor will maintain 65 ft of vertical clearance within a 45 ft horizontal clearance at all times on one side of the channel. Currently the contractor is working on the west side of the channel. Mariners are requested to proceed through the east side of the channel through this area.Hobe Sound Bridge: Martin County, the bridge owner, of the Hobe Sound Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Hobe Sound, Martin Country, Florida, has advised the Coast Guard that they are planning on painting this bridge starting in May 2014. This work will include a reduction of vertical clearance by 5 feet on half the channel and may include single-leaf operations with a two hour advance notice for a double-leaf opening. There may be a barge located under the down leaf; but that determination has not been made at this time. This work in anticipated to start in May 2014 and is projected to end on August 2014. Indiantown Road Bridge (AICW Mile 1006.2): The Indiantown Road (SR 706) Bridge (26.933648° -80.084072°) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 1006.2, Jupiter, Florida will be closed to navigation from 8:00 p.m. on June 24, 2014 through 6:00 a.m. on June 25, 2014 for repairs. This bridge provides a vertical clearance of 35 feet in the closed position. Vessel that may pass through the bridge without an opening may do so at any time.Flagler Memorial Bridge: The Florida Department of Transportation has advised that the Flagler Memorial Bridge will be placed in the open to navigation position for a six month period. Mariners are reminded that the horizontal clearance at the Flagler Memorial Bridge (26.718200°-80.044761°) is currently set at 70 feet and will remain until the new bridge is built and this bridge is removed.
Due to a concrete pumping operation over the Flagler Memorial Bridge, the vertical clearance over the waterway will be limited to 64 ft during the operation. Vessels requiring more than 64 ft of vertical clearance should contact the bridge tender at least four hours in advance to schedule the removal of the pipe over the waterway. This operation will be conducted at least 2 or 3 times a week from Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. starting May 27, 2014 and ending on October 31, 2014. Mariners are requested to contact Primary - 813 235 3056 (Ricardo Baraybar) Secondary - 561 253 6995 (PCL Office) to make arrangements to have the vertical clearance restriction removed.
With the Flagler Memorial Bridge left in the open to navigation position from May 12, 2014 until October 31, 2014, all vehicle traffic will be detoured to the bridges south of this structure. For this reason, the Royal Park Bridge will be on an hourly schedule at the quarter-hour (open once an hour on the quarter past the hour) from 6:16 a.m. until 8:14 p.m. Monday through Friday, except that from 7:16 a.m. to 9:14 a.m. and from 4:16 p.m. to 6:14 p.m. this bridge will be allowed to remain closed to navigation. At all other time including Federal Holidays this bridge will open on the quarter-hour and three-quarter hour. The Southern Boulevard Bridge will remain on the twice an hour schedule (top of the hour and bottom of the hour), except that from 7:31 a.m. to 9:29 a.m. and from 4:01 p.m. to 5:59 p.m. (Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays), this bridge will be allowed to remain closed to navigation.
PCL Construction will be working on the new Flagler Memorial Bridge and will have floating equipment in the vicinity of the Flagler Memorial Bridge. Any and all channel restrictions/closures in support of this new structure will be published in future Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice to Mariners. This bridge construction is anticipated to be completed by September 1, 2016.Lake Avenue/Robert Harris Bridge (AICW Mile 1028.0): The Florida Department of Transportation has initiated coordination with the Coast Guard to consider regulations on the Lake Avenue/Robert Harris Bridge (26.613475 -80.044348°), across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 1028.0, Lake Worth, Palm Beach County, Florida, which will allow for some bridge closures and temporary regulation changes to order to facilitate construction/repair activity on this bridge.The Coast Guard has agreed to allow this bridge to remain closed to navigation from 12:05 a.m. to 4:59 a.m. and from 7:05 a.m. to 10:59 a.m. daily, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. This bridge will be allowed to open once an hour on the top of hour for the remainder of the day. The vertical clearance of the bridge will be reduced by 5 feet which will allow for a vertical clearance of 30 feet in the closed position. FDOT has advised this office that they will provide at least 120 days of notice prior to the start of this construction and implementation of the regulations.East Las Olas Bridge (AICW Mile 1064) Update: The East Las Olas Bridge (26.119285° -80.109001°) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida is being repaired. The bridge is on the same operating schedule; but there may be short delays when equipment and personnel need to removed from the bridge for an opening. This work is expected to continue until June 15, 2014 (This is the third extension for completion of this work). Kiewit Infrastructure South Company, the East Las Olas Bridge, mile 1064 at Fort Lauderdale shall open a single-leaf on the quarter-hour only 24 hours a day; unless a four hour notice is provided to the bridge tender for a double-leaf opening. You may contact the bridge tender be calling 954-463-0842. The East Las Olas Bridge provides a vertical clearance of 24 ft in the closed position and a horizontal clearance of 40 feet with one-leaf in the down position. Kiewit Infrastructure South Company has advised that they will have a barge under the down span during these repairs. This bridge provides a horizontal clearance of 45 feet with one leaf open, a horizontal clearance of 60 feet with both leaves open and the barge in the channel and a horizontal clearance of 90 feet with all floating equipment removed from the waterway. Please advise the bridge tender if you need to have all floating equipment removed from the waterway when requesting a double-leaf opening.Southeast 3rd Avenue Bridge (New River): The bridge owner, Broward County, has advised the Coast Guard that they will be painting the Southeast 3rd Avenue Bridge (26.117044°-80.140402°) across the New River, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. This operation will be conducted from 9:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. each day from June 9 through July 15, 2015. There will be a barge in the waterway which will be moved upon request. Advance notice to the tug operator would be appreciated.South Fork, New River, Ft. Lauderdale: I-95 Bridge: Seminole Equipment is working on the I-95 Bridge (26.096434° -80.169002°) across the South Fork of the New River, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Due to painting operations the vertical clearance will be reduced by 5 feet from January 7, 2014 through June 2014. The containment system can be retracted by two feet if 24 hours notice is provided to the contractor.
V&M Erectors will be working on another section of the I-95 Bridge across the New River. This work will close the navigation channel at night from 10:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. daily, April 6 through September 1, 2014. Mariners requesting passage at night should call 954-290-1877 and provide a two hour advance notice. V&M Erectors may be working on the bridge during daylight hours; but the floating equipment will be placed outside the channel limits. Mariners are request to use caution when transiting through this area as there are currently three projects on going in this congested area.CSX Railroad Bridge: The contractor working on the CSX Railroad Bridge (26.096456° -80.169348°) replacement across the South Fork of the New River mile 2.8, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida has requested to temporarily change the regulation governing the existing CSX Railroad Bridge. This temporary regulation change has been approved and has placed this bridge to an on demand schedule whereas the bridge will be placed in the closed to navigation position during certain portions of the construction operations with an open on demand schedule. Mariners are requested to contact the bridge tender on VHF-FM channel 9 for opening and passing information. The pile driving operation is scheduled to begin on February 14, 2014 on the north side of the channel with completion scheduled for June 3, 2014. The pile driving operation on the south side is scheduled to begin in August 2014. The Coast Guard has approved a temporary schedule change for the CSX Railroad Bridge across the South Fork of the New River.
The horizontal clearance of the CSX Railroad Bascule Bridge across the New River (South Fork) mile 2.8, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida has been temporarily reduced to 56 feet.SE 17th Street Causeway Bridge: Coastal Marine Construction Inc, has been contracted by Florida Department of Transportation to replace the power/submarine cable of the SE 17th Street Causeway (E Clay Shaw) Bridge (26° 6'1.83"N, 80° 7'7.33"W) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. Due to the cable installation, the SE 17th Street Causeway will be placed on single-leaf opening during regularly scheduled opening with a three hour advance notice for a double-leaf opening from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, Monday through Saturday between April 14 and August 30, 2014.Cortez Bridge: Quinn Construction will be performing work on the Cortez Bridge (27.467865°-82.693661°) across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Sarasota County, Florida from April 28, 2014 through January 22, 2015. From May 10 2014 through November 23, 2014, the bridge will be on a single-leaf opening schedule. A double-leaf opening will be available with a four hour notice to the bridge tender or by calling 941-722-7722. There will be floating equipment in and around the channel throughout the repairs.Blackburn Point Bridge: Due to bridge repairs, the Blackburn Point Swingbridge (27.179649° -82.494375°) across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Osprey, Sarasota County, Florida will be closed to navigation for several nights between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. during the week of June 23, 2014. An opening is available during these closure periods, if two hours advance notice is provided to the bridge tender.

This information is not to be used for navigation. Consult the latest charts and Local Notices to Mariners and use prudent seamanship. Conditions may change. Any person or entity that uses this information in any way, as a condition of that use, agrees to waive and does waive and also hold authors harmless from any and all claims which may arise from or be related to this use.